The improved X-A1? Or she really is 200, - € extra charge worth it?

The Fujifilm X-A1 are in the kit with the 16-50mm for XC 599, - (RRP), the X-M1 for exactly 200, - more. Apart from a range of different housing colors, the two cameras are all absolutely identical: material mix, housing dimensions, weight, control knobs, and Rings, monitor, processor, etc. - up to the sensor. While the cheaper version has a 16.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor gets installed, the X-M1 uses a 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor.

The sensor makes so little (but also fine?) Difference!

What is so special about now but the X-Trans sensor? The random arrangement of the color filter (similar to the grit of an analog film) makes loud Fujifilm the elimination of the low-pass filter possible; a technology that "all the rage" is the latest since the Nikon D800E and sharper images / promises higher resolution. Thus, the X-M1 is the X-A1 quasi what the Nikon D800E is the D800, the sister with the supposedly better "inner values", the model for the "connoisseur".

Too bad that does not reflect the "inner values" also outside to a certain extent, because while the X-A1 perhaps even can forgive so the cheap-looking plastic housing, does not scratch the X-M1 already cost regions, in which I personally this can ignore more than charming faux pas, but really disturbing every time at the cheap feel, if I take the camera in hand. This is like a 5-star hotel with paper plates and plastic utensils, like a fine wine from the PET bottle or as a sedan upmarket with leatherette upholstery. Sorry, for just 800, - because I expect more! Especially in the black version, the kit lens seems downright shabby, the identical version in silver at the X-A1 in Red sees the clear and noble quality of. This gives the X-M1 a corresponding point deduction!

But now back to the intrinsic values. Although I myself photographing exclusively in RAW, I think the issue in JPEG encounters rather on the broad interest of potential clients and thus a word at the moment.

JPEG:

The surprising results show that provides the default settings of the cheaper X-A1 for apparently "sharper" (or more accurately more sharpened by the processor) images, with slightly higher contrast and greater noise reduction. Details / edges at higher ISO values ​​appears the X-A1 better capture while dark areas are losing more detail than mid tones or highlights. These differences can be (it) but almost compensated by the en user-versed in the post, as well as the slight differences in white balance / in the color reproduction - here the X-M1 tends towards magenta tones. So who wants to get in the X-M1 equivalent results directly from the camera, should deal with the JPEG settings and different from the factory settings.
Conclusion: Honestly - who anyway JPEG shoots and the results no further workflow can get, should rather save the money and access to lower X-A1 ... unless one's ego to be satisfied again.

RAW:

So what is the comparison RAW?

Personally, I am always disturbing because if the default settings of RAW Converter can be used for comparisons of images. No photographer who undergoes his shots a workflow, create a JPEG without an active improvement of results by adjusting the settings. So I just want to say that with the appropriate interventions (eg in Lightroom) provide both cameras very good results, which only can be on the screen when enlarged beyond 100% marginal differ, and which are even for specialist applications.

Conclusion:

Only in direct comparison and in extreme enlargements can be on the screen slight differences between the two cameras detect. Both cameras deliver despite kit lenses very good results in terms of image quality, the need to hide from the heavier DSLRs with APSC Senoren in any way. Since the X-M1 etc. is absolutely identical to the X-A1 in terms of material, body design, operation, processor, auto focus, it is also it for better or worse, which brings a CSC compared to a DSLR for example with itself. Therefore my something disappointed Conclusion:

The X-M1 makes an X-A1 owners also no better photographer and justifies the least the proud charge!